It’s Our Mission!
Locally and Veteran owned, Next-Door K9 Solutions was founded on 3 basic principles. Following these steps with your dog can be ground breaking! Let us help you build the relationship your dog needs!
- COMMUNICATION
- FAIRNESS
- UNDERSTANDING
Next-Door K9 takes pride in making your dog’s training our mission! Next-Door K9 Solutions was founded in order to promote well-rounded, balanced, and healthy dog training. At Next-Door K9 Solutions we train and board all dogs in our homes. Composing our daily routine around your dog's needs, we use our homes and communities to assist in your dog's training.
Meet the Team!
Owner/Lead Trainer
Heather Phillips
Hi, I’m Heather. I’ve been surrounded by dogs my whole life and grew up with hunting dogs! My passion for dogs run deep, and I went to Berea Collge with the intention of becoming a vet. I decided the vet life wasn’t for me, so I interned with a dog trainer and the rest is history!
I’ve been training dogs since 2017. I’ve trained in many areas, from basic obedience to behavior modification. I’ve worked with several types of dogs, including everything from pet dogs, to working dogs, and police K9’s. My passion is in working breeds and teaching dogs a job to do. I have four personal dogs of my own including my two Belgian Malinois’ that I compete in MondioRing with. I have my Bachelors degree in agriculture and natural resources, with a focus in animal science, as well as experience in the veterinary field. I can’t wait to meet you and your pup to start working on your goals!
Trainer
Lindy Mott
Hi, I’m Lindy. As a child whenever someone would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up I would always respond with “something with dogs, but not a vet! I can’t hate blood”
Fast forward to 2018, I somehow wound up with a Belgian Malinois Sadie, who was extremely reactive from the second I brought her home. I knew I needed help, so I reached out to trainers and through helping Sadie with her journey I fell in love with dog training. I completed a year long internship and have worked with a few companies helping tons of dogs and even more people work through complex issues to basic obedience! I have a special spot in my heart for fearfully reactive dogs & love to help them live happier lives. I now train Sadie in the sport of Mondioring and have a beautiful golden retriever Bruce! Looking forward to helping you enjoy life with your dog more!
Trainer
Blair Bunker
Hello, I’m Blair! I am a California native that grew up on horseback with plenty of dogs along for the ride. As a child I spent most of my free time in the barn or with the dogs. Mucking stalls, feeding and training were all part of a normal day.
I have had the pleasure of traveling to and living in some amazing places around the country. In June of 2017 I relocated to the Lake Norman area from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. I have also had the privilege of working for some of the most knowledgeable and successful horse and dog trainers this country has to offer. It has given me the ability to provide the very best training possible.
As a Canine Behavior Specialist, I am thrilled to help dogs with severe behavioral issues. I have worked with thousands of dogs professionally over the last seventeen years and I am passionate about helping dogs and their owners develop the confidence and skills needed to be a successful team.
Trainer
Nicolas Brocato
Hi, I’m Nicholas.
I am a professional balanced dog trainer with 6 years of experience, specializing in addressing reactivity and aggression in dogs. I believe building a strong, trusting relationship is most important when training any dog. With a deep understanding of canine behavior, I use a balanced training approach to help dogs overcome behavioral challenges and build lasting, positive relationships with their owners.
Trainer
Erin Kovacs
Hi, my name is Erin.
I discovered my love for working with dogs during my time at Auburn University, working with bomb detection dogs. But it was working with my personal dog with anxiety and reactivity behavioral issues, that I found my passion for behavior modification training. I have worked with all breeds, ages and sizes for over 4 years, training everything from puppy obedience foundations to aggression and anxiety management. I have a specific love for the breeds with bad raps; bring on those bully breeds! Now that my family and I have relocated to the Charlotte area, I am so excited to join the Nextdoor K9 training team; teaching lessons!
Owner/Founder
Zack Barkley
Hi, I’m Zack! I am the founder of Next-Door K9 Solutions and owner of Next-Door K9 Solutions of the Carolinas. I’ve been training dogs for approximately 10 years and have been involved in various capacities of dog training. I started my journey as a handler in the United States Marine Corps, where I handled and trained various types of dogs. Upon completion, of my contract I began my training career outside of the military. I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from some of, what I consider, the best in the industry. I have been involved in the training of Military, Law Enforcement, Special Operations, Sport, and pet dogs across the country. Next-Door K9 Solutions was founded to help build confidence in each dog and owner and maintain a successful integration into each dog owners home. We continue to carry our principles into every dog’s training regime in order to effectively reach this goal. We look forward to working with you and helping you establish the connection you need with your dog.
Administrative Manager/Photographer
Hailey LeMaire
Hi, I’m Hailey! I handle all photography and the core administration for the company. I have loved dogs for as long as I can remember. I enjoy spending time with my dog, Klaus, and capturing photos of any and all animals. I was born and raised in North Carolina and have lived here for majority of my life. We look forward to helping you and your dog!
Lead Manager-Trainer
Olivia Koogler
Hi I’m Olivia! Ever since I could remember I have had a love for animals. I began working at a daycare and as a kennel tech in 2009, and have been working with dogs ever since! I managed a few kennels as well as worked at a veterinary hospital. I worked as a trainer in Raleigh for 7 years and am always looking to expand my knowledge with the dog training world and strengthen my skills, which is what lead me to Next door K9 Solutions! I love helping clients have a better relationship with their dogs. I have three personal dogs, Talulah (mutt), Morty (black lab, German Shepherd mix) and Rigatoni (Dutch Shepherd).
